Who can forget Lou Russo? Remember his rich baritone voice filling St. Johns Church when he sang at special occasions, or when spending an evening at the Castle listening to Lou? How about the Italian Festivals at St. Johns when Lou entertained the crowd that gathered in the tent just to sit and reminisce when he belted out the popular songs of yesteryears.
When did all of this come about? Lou began singing when he was only eleven years of age. After graduating from Olean High School in 1941, he joined the Navy. He sang for troops at hospitals and other engagements all over the world with the U.S. Navy Band.
After his discharge Louie went on to sing with the big bands in New York City and New Jersey area until the 1950's. He was on his way to the big time, but instead returned to Olean with his beautiful wife Mary and worked at McGraw Edison for the next 32 years.
Lou was a genial, caring, sociable and well-liked performer who shared his singing talent with this community that he loved. When asked, Lou sang at weddings, special occasions, and charitable fund raisers.
For thirty years he sung the national anthem at the St. Bonaventure games free gratis. This came about when the Reilly Center opened in 1966 and Larry Weise, then the Bonnie coach, requested that Lou sing the anthem before the basketball game.
Lou received the 1992 Golden Deeds award from the Exchange Club in May of that year. He was recognized by the club for a lifetime of sharing his talents as well as himself and most of all by singing the national anthem at the beginning of each St. Bona basketball games.
In 1997, Lou planned singing the music he loved with the Bob Lucia Big Band Orchestra.
At St. Bona's annual homecoming in February 1998, Lou was presented with a plaque for his years of entertainment by the athletic administration. It was on this occasion that Lou sang his final national anthem before the Bonnies basketball game.
We miss you Lou, miss your friendly smile, your rich baritone voice and the joy your talent brought to many, many of us in this community.
Times Herald-Rosemary Daley; Rick Jozwiak; Amy Moritz
copyright 2008 Eileen McCartan Smith
